Calendar

Mar
18
Mon
David Johnston
Mar 18 @ 7:30 pm
David Johnston

David Johnston  – if you don’t know him, you have to stop by TOAD for Blue Monday – take a listen HERE where David talks about his influences and plays a bit of music –

 

The White Owls
Mar 18 @ 9:30 pm

Just look at the band; Dennis Brennan on harmonica, guitar and vocals. Tim Gearan on guitar and vocals. Steve Sadler on lap steel.  Jim Haggerty on bass and Andy Plaisted on drums.

Check out a clip from one of their shows HERE  – After making it thru Monday, YOU deserve a night out!

Image result for white owls at toad

Mar
19
Tue
The Franc Graham Band
Mar 19 @ 7:30 pm

The Boston Globe on The Franc Graham Band:

“Immensely Underrated… cool and commanding… an unusually rich blend of singer-songwriter rock…”

The Blue Ribbons
Mar 19 @ 10:00 pm

The Blue Ribbons was formed by singer/songwriter/keyboardist James Rohr.

They have been building a base of devoted fans with their original and soulful music.

Described as
“Ray Charles and Tom Waits on a pirate ship with Sun Ra and Captain Beefheart,” they combine “upbeat disillusionment and celebratory fatalism with musicianship” – Charan Devereux; Boston Globe.

Image result for the blue ribbons music

Mar
20
Wed
Fandango
Mar 20 @ 7:30 pm

FANDANGO is as much a spiritual renewal as it is a reinterpretation of some of the best soul, blues, gospel, and Americana music ever written. With a loyal flock of followers (the flock that rock) to their weekly Wednesday night residency at TOAD in Cambridge, FANDANGO fuels frontman Fred Griffeth to lead this congregation into soul and R&B righteousness! For he is like a refiner of fire and he shall purify!

“Ask not for whom the Fandan goes. It goes for thee. On Wednesday donchaknow.” –

Raaid
Mar 20 @ 10:00 pm
Raaid

Raaid is a Boston-based, full-stack musician, performing and recording original music.

What is a full-stack musician?
An electrical engineer by training, Raaid has adopted this from the term “full-stack developer” which generally refers to someone who can “do it all.” As a musician, he writes lyrics, composes music, sings and plays a variety of instruments, records performances, and mixes audio. This gives him nearly end-to-end control over the creative inputs to the music. Mastering aside, every sound is intentional and placed to fulfill Raaid’s artistic vision of every track.

What type of music does he make?
Raaid’s inspirations are primarily American/British alternative, soft rock, and pop artists and groups such as Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and OneRepublic. His exposure to Pakistani music throughout his childhood has also undoubtedly infused itself into his sound. Although he doesn’t like boxing himself into a particular genre, his style of music can best be described as singer-songwriter or indie pop, though his family has affectionately referred to his music as “American ghazal”.

Mar
21
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Mar 21 @ 7:30 pm
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones

“happy songs for miserable people” – Melvern

check out a fan fave “Sleepy Eyes” – recorded right here at TOAD

Press:

“Your music makes me want to pee. In a good way….”

Melvern Taylor is the Sam Shepard of the Ukulele!

Your music isn’t bad….i’m more into rap and hip hop.
Baker Thomas Band
Mar 21 @ 10:00 pm

ET – phone home –   yeah, yeah –

but only after the Baker Thomas Band show . . .  they’re out of this world. . .“A whole bunch of musicians and a whole bunch of instruments, come together to deliver an electrifying show which promises a whole bunch of fun” -Tracey Delfino, Trespass Music

 

Image result for baker thomas band

Mar
22
Fri
Big Ben Hillman – The Professor of Funk
Mar 22 @ 10:00 pm

Over the course of his career, Big Ben Hillman has shared the stage with a host of diverse and well known musicians including hip hop stars Method Man and Ghostface Killa from the Wu Tang Clan, De La Soul, Biz Markie, Digable Planets and Mix Master Mike of The Beasty Boys. He has also been seen performing with rock legends Les Claypool and Jimmy Buffet.

Big Ben Hillman is quite the smooth retro funkster…. The production is excellent on all levels, keeping the listener in a comfortable, easy-flowing harmonic place. Ben never falters – his compositions and production show signs of a master at work enjoying his craft. I’m just going to think of Big Ben Hillman as the new Barry White on the opposite end of the vocal spectrum. – T Max, The Noise

Image may contain: one or more people, text and indoor

Mar
23
Sat
Heart Hunters
Mar 23 @ 7:30 pm
Heart Hunters

Heart Hunters’ music might sound delicate on first listen, but it packs a heavy punch. Born of the American zeitgeist, as well as the personal experiences of Brianna Blackbird and her husband No River City founder Drew de Man, American Eclipse is simultaneously a deeply personal and overtly political album.”

No Depression

REVIEW: Heart Hunters “American Eclipse” Is Instantly Compelling ”

Americana Highways

The record’s alternately haunting and wistful folk songs find De Man and Blackbird engaging in potent social and spiritual commentary, clinging to silver linings while wrestling with an increasingly turbulent country. But while the subject matter is often heavy, the duo’s hook-laden melodicism offers all the balance the record needs.”

The Daily Country

Copilot
Mar 23 @ 10:00 pm
Copilot

You’d be hard-pressed to define Copilot. The Massachusetts-based group are made up of powerhouse vocalist Maggie Quealy, charismatic frontman Ry McDonald, bassist Austin Beveridge, and drummer Dylan Allwine. Together, Copilot aren’t so much making music as they are crafting an experience. Sure, you can call them Americana because of their twangy harmonies or even pop thanks to their danceable beats, but maybe nouns aren’t quite right. Adjectives, on the other hand, might do them justice.

“There is magic…there is a certain magic to what they do.”

                                 – Michael Butler, WEMF Radio

“Copilot soars with passion and creativity”

 Cameron Merrit, The Sun Chronicle

Mar
24
Sun
Sunday Spins
Mar 24 @ 3:00 pm

Bring your vinyl as we get to take turns playing our faves…

sorta like open mic – sign up to play two songs from your vinyl – we set up a turn table center stage – . . . – once you play your songs you can sign up again –

bring new – old – anything!

 

Image result for sunday spins toad

Dan Blakeslee plus Viking Moses
Mar 24 @ 9:00 pm
Dan Blakeslee plus Viking Moses

“There is little doubt in my mind that tonight’s profile artist Dan Blakeslee, a singer-songwriter, graphic designer, original artist and performer is probably one of the most gifted all-around artists in New England.” – Ryan’s Smashing Life Blog

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Viking Moses, AKA Brendon Massei, achieves a special balance of warmth and command, with familiar melodies that draw listeners in and oblige them to stay. Strongly lyrical songs are played out through tunes that flirt with pop, folk, indie, grunge and Americana, all strung together with a unique pulsing guitar, and by Massei’s robust voice, which ebbs from delicate whispers to throaty howls.

 

 

Mar
25
Mon
David Johnston
Mar 25 @ 7:30 pm
David Johnston

David Johnston  – if you don’t know him, you have to stop by TOAD for Blue Monday – take a listen HERE where David talks about his influences and plays a bit of music –

 

The White Owls
Mar 25 @ 9:30 pm

Just look at the band; Dennis Brennan on harmonica, guitar and vocals. Tim Gearan on guitar and vocals. Steve Sadler on lap steel.  Jim Haggerty on bass and Andy Plaisted on drums.

Check out a clip from one of their shows HERE  – After making it thru Monday, YOU deserve a night out!

The White Owls

Mar
26
Tue
Spotted Tiger Duo
Mar 26 @ 7:30 pm
Spotted Tiger Duo

SPOTTED TIGER – A musical bridge from Willie Nelson to Bob Marley where JJ Cale is the toll collector.  Featuring original music by songwriters Laurence Scudder & Erik White . . .

 

 

Honey Talk
Mar 26 @ 10:00 pm

Honey Talk is a fresh, innovative, and comfortable quartet that performs classic hits and inviting originals making you feel sweeter than honey.

Honey talk is:
Cody Nilsen – Guitar/Vocals
Steve Bunce- Bass/Vocals
Ben Blanchard – Keys/Vocals
Pat “Daddy” Dalton – Drums/Vocals

check out one of their songs HERE

 

Mar
27
Wed
Fandango
Mar 27 @ 7:30 pm

“I still believe the lessons I learned when I was raised in a Roman Catholic household. Like, it’s harder for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” – Michael Moore –

Celebrate Hump Day with Fandango

 

Grant Bloom
Mar 27 @ 10:00 pm

Grant Bloom was brought up learning classical piano; wedged between Dallas and Ft. Worth Texas. Much like a kid eating broccoli, he pushed it away, not realizing how beneficial the music was. Some years later, he was baptized into the world of jazz and from this, music began to tug at Grant’s sleeve. After being taught basic guitar chords from his father, and becoming comfortable in his vocal prowess, Grant began to craft songs.

Mar
28
Thu
Django Soulo Band
Mar 28 @ 7:30 pm
Django Soulo Band

Django Koenig (moniker name: Django Soulo) is a Vermont-born singer-songwriter that blends acoustic music with Soul. He performs his music from the heart, for the heart. Django is currently touring with his newly released self-titled album, ‘Django Soulo’ as well as his debut album, ‘We Live On‘.

“A man as energetic, whimsical, and charming as his music.” Big Heavy World

Sugar Blood Jinx
Mar 28 @ 10:00 pm
Sugar Blood Jinx

SUGAR BLOOD JINX

is Eric Waxwood who uses finger-picking and a slide on a National Steel Guitar and sings lead vocals;

Matt Murphy who plays an upright bass and sings background vocals; and

Scott Pittman who plays an old 1920‘s ‘traps’ drum kit and sings background vocals.

Mar
29
Fri
Imam & Sawyer Band
Mar 29 @ 10:00 pm
Imam & Sawyer Band

‘The guitar work is terrific; understated but thick with feeling. Imam Hamdani’s guitar takes centre spotlight at exactly the right times, always elevating the track, never calling unnecessary attention to itself”- Mosiki

“‘His tunes are carefully composed to aim straight for the heart, and he hits his mark squarely song after song,’ says Metronome Magazine. And indeed songwriting is the heart of Sawyer Lawson’s craft.”

Mar
30
Sat
Lady Lupine
Mar 30 @ 7:30 pm
Lady Lupine

Lady Lupine is a Boston based soul and rock band that delivers thrilling performances of original and covered music. Their sound is a unique blend of poignant lyrics, robust rhythms and alluring melodies. Drawing inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder, Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu and Santigold, Lady Lupine creates an engaging experience while cultivating visceral connections through sound.

David Johnston Band
Mar 30 @ 10:00 pm

Peter Wolf (formerly of the J Geils Band), whose brilliant Midnight Souvenirs—released in 2010—included  David Johnston’s “I Don’t Wanna Know.” This song went on to become the second single from that album, and was performed on the David Letterman Show in June of 2010.

Mar
31
Sun
Sunday Spins
Mar 31 @ 3:00 pm

“Vinyl record sales are at a 28 year high” – Fortune April 2016  – See/Hear for yourself at Sunday Spins – every Sunday – bring your records and take turns sharing your faves!

Image result for sunday spins toad

Ship of the Sun (music of the Grateful Dead)
Mar 31 @ 8:00 pm
Ship of the Sun (music of the Grateful Dead)

Ship of the Sun celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead with a fun, free-wheeling, danceable show that pays tribute to the sounds of rock & roll’s most unique band.

Ship of the Sun came together in 2015 around each member’s love of the songs, spirit, and improvisation adventurousness of the Dead.

 

 

Apr
1
Mon
David Johnston
Apr 1 @ 7:30 pm

David Johnston  – if you don’t know him, you have to stop by TOAD for Blue Monday – take a listen HERE where David talks about his influences and plays a bit of music –

Image result for david johnston music

The White Owls
Apr 1 @ 9:30 pm

Just look at the band; Dennis Brennan on harmonica, guitar and vocals. Tim Gearan on guitar and vocals. Steve Sadler on lap steel.  Jim Haggerty on bass and Andy Plaisted on drums.

Check out a clip from one of their shows HERE  – After making it thru Monday, YOU deserve a night out!

Image result for white owls at toad

Apr
2
Tue
Jenifer Jackson w/ special guests Sonny Barbato and Julian Jackson
Apr 2 @ 7:30 pm
Jenifer Jackson w/ special guests Sonny Barbato and Julian Jackson

“Her strong melodies, subtle arrangements and pure vocal approach
render her recordings almost instantly classic.”
Time Out! New York

“A definitive record for our time …
Jackson has made a career out of pushing the envelope.”
NY Music Daily

“I want to live in the world where she’s a big star.”
Puremusic

Jenifer Jackson is an American songwriter, singer and guitarist known for crafting intimate, understated pop songs. Critically-acclaimed releases include Slowly BrightThe Outskirts Of A Giant TownBirds, and her most recent effort, Texas Sunrise.

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Sonny Barbato (Accordion)
Joe Barbato has played accordion and piano on numerous recordings and performances with artists ranging in styles from country to jazz.  Originally from Boston, Joe spent some time in York City playing alongside musicians Dave Budway, Jimmy Ponder, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Jenifer Jackson, Matt Munisteri, and Marvin Sewell, just to name a few. He has toured Europe and the United States and continues to freelance in the Boston and New York area.

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Jenifer’s dad,  Julian Jackson, will also be on hand to do some singing!

The Blue Ribbons
Apr 2 @ 10:00 pm
The Blue Ribbons

The Blue Ribbons was formed by singer/songwriter/keyboardist James Rohr.

They have been building a base of devoted fans with their original and soulful music.

Described as
“Ray Charles and Tom Waits on a pirate ship with Sun Ra and Captain Beefheart,” they combine “upbeat disillusionment and celebratory fatalism with musicianship” – Charan Devereux; Boston Globe.

 

Apr
3
Wed
Fandango
Apr 3 @ 7:30 pm
Fandango

you CAN judge Fandango by their facebook pics – just sayin’

Mike Hastings Band
Apr 3 @ 10:00 pm
Mike Hastings Band

“When Mike Hastings isn’t playing at local venues such as Toad, he can often be found busking around Davis and Harvard Square. Next time you’re out, keep an ear out for the sound of guitar and a tambourine, and if you see Mike, stop and listen for a while. You just might leave a little warmer.” – Sound of Boston

Give a listen HERE

 

Apr
4
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Apr 4 @ 7:30 pm
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones

“happy songs for miserable people” – Melvern

check out a fan fave “Sleepy Eyes” – recorded right here at TOAD

Press:

“Your music makes me want to pee. In a good way….”

Melvern Taylor is the Sam Shepard of the Ukulele!

Your music isn’t bad….i’m more into rap and hip hop.
Sonya Rae Taylor
Apr 4 @ 10:00 pm
Sonya Rae Taylor

 

Boston native, Sonya Rae is a rising star with a blend of gifts rarely found on the blues-rock and soul scene today.  Her dazzling musical ability is immediately evident through her soaring vocals, scorching guitar work and savvy song-craft.  She has been likened to a “fiery female combination of Warren Haynes, Bonnie Raitt and Amy Winehouse” 

AS SEEN AT TOAD...